Bradley's promisePresidential caucus: Iowans should give him the nod for his sincerity
and focus.

Vice President Al Gore successfully badgered his opponent for the Democratic
presidential nomination, Bill Bradley, to debate regularly before the first
campaign tests of the election year in Iowa and New Hampshire.

Experts believe the strategy paid off for Gore, whom Bradley had matched
in campaign dollars and poll results heading into the crucial primary season.

But the frequent debates also gave Americans the chance to measure Bradley's
sincerity, which may be unmatched among the crop of presidential candidates
from both major political parties.

Bradley is believable, coherent and committed. Those strengths
and his deeply thoughtful approach to politics and governance give Bradley
the nod over Gore in the Iowa caucuses.

Iowans will choose their favorites on Jan. 24. Two-party selections
won't be made in this space, because frankly none of the Republicans, other
than John McCain, musters much interest here.

The Gore-Bradley choice is a difficult one. The early tendency
was to back Gore to carry on the positive efforts of an administration
that has been soiled but successful in fostering an economy nearly unmatched
in American history.

The irony of the Clinton-Gore years is that while respect for the presidency
has waned, confidence has grown in the White House's ability to stimulate
progress.

Gore could be expected to enable further economic growth. He would
offer continuity but a different and more stable personality that BillClinton.

But Bradley offers more substance, even though he may be every bit the
enigma that Clinton remains after a life of politics.

In contrast, Bradley has drawn a curtain on his personal life by refusing
to answer probing questions about his reading habits, health history and
religious beliefs.

It's easy to differ with Bradley's reluctance to share his medical records.
Voters have to know if presidential candidates are sound of body.

But it's also somewhat refreshing, after an embarrassing probe of a
president's unsavory personal escapades, to have a politician declare part
of his life off limits.

Bradley's strength as a candidate comes from what he says rather than
what he chooses to shelter from public view.

He is the one candidate in either party promising to make the country's
current good fortune work for all Americans.

Bradley's premise -- "I think we should fix the roof when the sun is
shining." --reflects the true moral issue in this campaign, more so than
fidelity or faith or fallibility.

Bradley means it, too.

The Republican candidates for president all want to restore "respect"
in the Oval Office. Bradley could make a difference as president,
which would be far more important.